U.S. patent number 6,202,263 [Application Number 09/353,533] was granted by the patent office on 2001-03-20 for safety sleeve elastic device.
Invention is credited to Shon Les Harker.
United States Patent |
6,202,263 |
Harker |
March 20, 2001 |
**Please see images for:
( Reexamination Certificate ) ** |
Safety sleeve elastic device
Abstract
The present invention provides a unique safety sleeve elastic
device having an elastic member of a certain longitudinal length.
The elastic member provides stretching capability of up to seven
times the elastic member's original length depending on the
material selected. A flexible sleeve member is disposed around the
elastic member. The sleeve member is less elastic than the elastic
member and provides a stretch limitation to the elastic member to
prevent a user from stretching the elastic member beyond a safe
elongation. The ends of the sleeve and elastic members are secured
proximate to one another. The ends of the elastic members are
further secured to connectors. The elastic member provides stretch
capability while the sleeve member provides safety features to
protect the elastic member and the user.
Inventors: |
Harker; Shon Les (Syracuse,
UT) |
Family
ID: |
26786544 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/353,533 |
Filed: |
July 14, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/300;
114/230.2; 2/237; 24/482; 24/715.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J
7/08 (20130101); Y10T 24/314 (20150115); Y10T
24/44231 (20150115); Y10T 24/3787 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B62J
7/08 (20060101); B62J 7/00 (20060101); A44B
013/02 (); F16G 011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;24/300,715.3,482
;2/237 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Sakran; Victor N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Madson & Metcalf
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application
Serial No. 60/093,020, filed Jul. 16, 1998.
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by united states letters
patent is:
1. A stretchable apparatus, comprising:
an elastic member having first and second ends and configured to
have a stretch of at least twice an original length;
a flexible sleeve member having first and second ends and disposed
around the elastic member in a loose-fitting configuration, wherein
the sleeve member is configured with an elasticity less than the
elastic member to thereby provide a stretch limitation to the
elastic member; and
first and second connectors secured to corresponding first and
second ends of the elastic member, the first and second connectors
further secured to corresponding first and second ends of the
sleeve member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elastic member comprises
latex.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sleeve member comprises
polypropylene fibers.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sleeve member comprises
nylon fibers.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sleeve member comprises a
spiral member disposed substantially along the longitudinal length
of the sleeve member.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector comprises a
base having an aperture through which the elastic member passes,
wherein the first end of the elastic member is configured into a
knot having a cross-section larger than the aperture to thereby
prevent passage of the knot through the aperture.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector
comprises:
a base having an aperture through which the elastic member passes;
and
a collar disposed around the elastic member and having a diameter
larger than the aperture to thereby prevent passage of the collar
through the aperture.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector
comprises:
a rigid object disposed within the elastic member proximate to the
first end of the elastic member, wherein the rigid object has a
diameter greater than an internal diameter of the elastic member;
and
an end member having an aperture through which the elastic member
passes, wherein the diameter of the elastic member at the location
of the rigid object is greater than the aperture to thereby prevent
passage of the rigid object through the aperture.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector
comprises:
a base member at least partially disposed within the elastic member
proximate to the first end of the elastic member, wherein the base
member has a diameter greater than an internal diameter of the
elastic member; and
an attachment member connected to the base member.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector
comprises:
an attachment member, wherein the first end of the elastic member
extends around a portion of the attachment member; and
a clamp secured to the first end of the elastic member to thereby
secure the connection of the elastic member to the attachment
member.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector comprises
an attachment member, wherein the first end of the elastic member
extends around a portion of the attachment member, and wherein the
elastic member is configured with an aperture proximate to the
first end, the elastic member further configured to thread through
the aperture to thereby secure the connection of the elastic member
to the attachment member.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector
comprises:
a base member at least partially disposed within the elastic member
proximate to the first end of the elastic member, wherein the base
member has a diameter greater than an internal diameter of the
elastic member;
a first attachment member connected to the base member;
a strap having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the
strap is secured to the first attachment member; and
a second attachment member is secured to the second end of the
strap.
13. A method for producing a stretchable apparatus, comprising:
providing an elastic member having first and second ends and
configured to have a stretch of at least twice an original
length;
disposing a loose-fitting, flexible sleeve member having first and
second ends around the elastic member, wherein the sleeve member
has an elasticity less than the elastic member to thereby provide a
stretch limitation;
securing first and second connectors to the respective first and
second ends of the elastic member; and
securing the first and second ends of the sleeve member to the
first and second connectors.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of securing the first
and second connectors comprises:
providing an aperture in the first and second connectors; and
passing the elastic member through the apertures in the first and
second connectors.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of securing the first
and second connectors comprises inserting a portion of the first
and second connectors into the interior of the elastic member.
16. A stretchable apparatus, comprising:
an elastic member having first and second ends and configured to
have a stretch of at least twice an original length;
a flexible sleeve member having first and second ends and disposed
around the elastic member in a loose-fitting configuration, wherein
the sleeve member is configured with an elasticity less than the
elastic member to thereby provide a stretch limitation to the
elastic member, the first and second ends of the sleeve member
secured to the elastic member proximate to the corresponding first
and second ends of the elastic member; and
first and second connectors secured to corresponding first and
second ends of the elastic member.
17. A method for producing a stretchable apparatus, comprising:
providing an elastic member having first and second ends and
configured to have a stretch of at least twice an original
length;
disposing a loose-fitting, flexible sleeve member having first and
second ends around the elastic member, wherein the sleeve member
has an elasticity less than the elastic member to thereby provide a
stretch limitation;
securing the first and second ends of the sleeve member to the
elastic member proximate to the corresponding first and second ends
of the elastic member; and
securing first and second connectors to the respective first and
second ends of the elastic member.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stretchable device for use in a
variety of applications including physical exercise.
2. The Background Art
Stretchable members have numerous applications for use in
fastening, bundling, and otherwise generally containing objects.
The stretch ability of such members makes them ideal for such
purposes. Stretchable members also have application in exercising.
The durability and stretch resistance of certain stretchable
members makes them ideal for repetitive movements required in
exercising.
One common stretchable member known in the art is the bungee cord.
A typical bungee cord is comprised of multiple stretchable rubber
fibers or strands throughout the center. A fabric is then woven
around the rubber fibers. During manufacture of a bungee cord, the
elastic strands are pulled through a loom that weaves the external
fabric around it. Without the exterior fabric the elastic strands
would fall out. The exterior fabric stays in full contact with the
interior rubber fibers at all times during the stretch.
Because of the manufacturing techniques, the internal material
used, and the weave of the external fabric, the bungee cord
technology has limits. In practice, the maximum stretch of a bungee
cord is about twice its original length. In practice, a bungee cord
generally has a maximum stretch of only 1.5 to 1.75 times its
original length.
Another stretchable member known in the art incorporates an elastic
within an elastic. In this approach, a small tubular elastic is
threaded through an identical but larger tubular elastic. Both
elastics are commonly of the same material. If one elastic or the
other were to break it would keep both elastics contained together.
However, the use of two members of the same material does not
substantially limit the stretch. Thus, the members are susceptible
to stretching beyond a safe limit. This may result in breaking of
the members and possible injury to the user.
Another approach in the art is the use of an elastic and rope in
combination. In this approach, an elastic has a rope spiraled along
the exterior length of the elastic. The rope is then attached to
the eyelets at the end of the elastic. A disadvantage with this
approach is the entanglement of the rope which hinders the function
of the stretchable member. A further disadvantage is that if the
elastic breaks the user may be injured by the whiplash of the
elastic.
The prior art suffers from having limited stretching capability and
not having a safety limitation to prevent undue stretching. Thus,
it is an object of the invention to provide a stretching device
with superior stretching capability and safety features to protect
the device and the user. These advantages of the present invention
will become more fully apparent by examination of the following
description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a unique safety sleeve elastic
device having an elastic, elastic member of a certain longitudinal
length. The elastic member is preferably formed of a latex
material, but one of skill in the art will appreciate that other
elastic materials may be used as well. The invention further
comprises a flexible sleeve member disposed around the elastic
member. The sleeve member is less elastic than the elastic member
and may be formed of polypropylene and nylon materials. The ends of
the sleeve member and the ends of the elastic member are secured
proximate to one another.
The ends of the elastic member and the sleeve member are secured to
connectors. The connectors come in various embodiments and include
clips, rings, hooks, buckles, and so forth to enable connection of
the safety sleeve elastic device. Thus embodied, the safety sleeve
elastic device may serve various functions including numerous
applications for exercising.
The elastic member and the sleeve member act on one another to
achieve the features of the present invention. The elastic member
provides stretching capability of up to seven times the elastic
member's original length depending on the material selected. The
sleeve member has less elasticity, and may in fact have little or
no elasticity, to provide a maximum allowable stretch limit. Thus,
a user is prevented from stretching the elastic member beyond a
safe elongation.
The sleeve member acts to protects the elastic member from wear and
contact which may damage the elastic member. The sleeve member
protects a user by retaining the elastic member within is interior.
Thus, if the elastic member breaks a user is not harmed by
whiplash. Furthermore, skin irritation from the material of the
elastic member is eliminated.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
stretchable device suitable for repetitive exercises having
superior stretch capability while incorporating safety features to
protect the device and the user.
Such a device is disclosed and claimed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other
advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention summarized above will be
rendered by reference to the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings only provide selected embodiments of the invention
and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described with additional specificity and detail
through use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is partial cross-sectional view of one presently preferred
embodiment of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sleeve member
of the safety sleeve elastic device of the resent invention;
FIG. 3 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
sleeve member of the safety sleeve elasticdevice of the present
invention;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
sleeve member of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention;
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the sleeve member of the
embodiment of FIG. 4A.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an end attachment
of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
end attachment of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
end attachment of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the end attachment of the
embodiment of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the end
attachment of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
end attachment of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
end attachment of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
end attachment of the safety sleeve elastic device of the present
invention; and
FIG. 13 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the safety
sleeve elastic device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will
be best understood by reference to FIGS. 1 through 13 wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be
readily understood that the components of the present invention, as
generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be
arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of
the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present
invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 13, is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely
representative of presently preferred embodiments of the
invention.
In one presently preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the
safety sleeve elastic device is shown and generally designated as
10. The device 10 comprises a flexible, stretchable elastic member
12. The elastic member 12 is configured to have a certain
longitudinal length and first and second ends. In one embodiment,
the elastic member 12 is configured in a tubular shape having an
inner cavity 14 which traverses the longitudinal length of the
elastic member 12.
The elastic member 12 is formed of an elastic material which is
defined herein as a material which is capable of returning to an
original length or shape after being stretched. In one embodiment,
the elastic material comprises latex. In such an embodiment, the
elastic member 12 may have a stretch of up to seven times its
original length. Latex materials have great elongation abilities
with a material memory that allows it to return to nearly its
original length even after repetitive use. Such capability is
advantageous for exercise equipment.
In alternative embodiments, the elastic material may comprise
non-latex materials including natural rubber. Such alternative
materials may be sufficient provided that they are capable of
stretch and retraction. However, generally such materials do not
provide for the superior stretch afforded by latex based
materials.
The device 10 further comprises a sleeve member 16 which is hollow
along its longitudinal length to surround or nearly surround the
elastic member 12 along the longitudinal length of the device 10.
The sleeve member 16 loosely fits around the elastic member 12 to
allow the elastic member 12 to expand or contract within the sleeve
member 16. The sleeve member 16 is sufficiently flexible to allow
the elastic member 12 to bend.
The sleeve member 16 is further configured to be less elastic than
the elastic member 12 and therefore does not stretch as far as the
elastic member 12. The sleeve member 16 may provide some stretch
based on the materials forming the sleeve member 16. In one
embodiment, the sleeve member 16 may comprise a fabric formed of
polypropylene or nylon fibers. The fibers may be assembled in a
weave pattern. In such an embodiment, the weave pattern itself
allows for some stretch. In one embodiment, the sleeve member 16 is
formed of a fabric which provides little or no stretch.
The sleeve member 16 is preferably of a stronger material than the
elastic member 12, such as the previously mentioned polypropylene
or nylon materials. The ends of the sleeve member 16 are secured
proximate to the ends of the elastic member 12. In one embodiment,
this is done by attaching the ends of the sleeve member 16 to the
elastic member 12 at or near corresponding ends of the elastic
member 12. So embodied, the sleeve member 16 provides a stretch
limitation to the elastic member 12. Thus, the elastic member 12 is
protected from stretching beyond a breaking limit.
In one embodiment, the sleeve member 16, has a greater longitudinal
length than the elastic member 12. When the elastic member 12 is at
rest, the sleeve member 16 is compressed so that it terminates
generally at the same ends of the elastic member 12. The elastic
member 12 may be stretched until the sleeve member 16 extends to
its full longitudinal length. When the sleeve member 16 extends to
its full length the sleeve member 16 begins to restrict the stretch
of the elastic member 12. The sleeve member 16 is selected of a
certain length and material to allow stretching of the elastic
member 12 to lengths appropriate for the elastic member 12. Thus,
the device 10 may be stretched up to seven times its original
length based on the capability of the elastic member 12.
The sleeve member 16 protects the elastic member 12 by covering the
elastic member 12 and preventing contact with the elastic member
12. The elastic member 12 is preferably formed of a relatively soft
material which is susceptible to damage. Exercise equipment is
often exposed to rough surfaces and it is advantageous to provide
such protection to the equipment.
The sleeve member 16 further protects a user from exposure to the
elastic member 12. Latex may cause skin irritation. Thus, with the
sleeve member 16 the user does not have direct contact with the
elastic member 12.
Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment for the sleeve member 16 is
shown. In this embodiment, the sleeve member 16 is made of a thin
material such as a fabric 18. The fabric 18 may comprise fibers of
polypropylene or nylon. The fabric 18 of the sleeve member 16 may
be formed with a seam 20 to thereby form a cylindrical shape for
housing the elastic member 12. The seam 20 may be formed by sewing,
applying adhesives, or by a heat seal. Thus embodied, the sleeve
member 16 may be compressed to partially fold onto itself.
Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment for the sleeve
member 16 is shown. The sleeve member 16 comprises a spiral member
22, such as a wire, that extends substantially along the
longitudinal length of the sleeve member 16 and provides
reinforcement to a the fabric 18. The spiral member 22 may be
compressed or extended to a certain length. The sleeve member 16 of
this embodiment will still limit the stretch of the elastic member
12 because of the limited stretch of the fabric. This embodiment of
the sleeve member 16 is similar to conventional clothes dryer
connectors.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an embodiment for the sleeve member
16 is shown. In this embodiment, the sleeve member 16 is formed of
fibers weaved to allow the material to expand or contract.
Accordingly, the sleeve member 16 has some stretch capability but
not as much as the elastic member 12. The embodiment of FIG. 4 is
similar in concept to the bungee cord fabric exteriors, Chinese
thumb handcuffs, and some wire cable protection coatings.
The device 10 of the present invention may be used with end
attachments or connectors. The elastic member 12 and sleeve member
16 are configured to generally terminate at these end attachments.
Preferably, a connector is used for each end of the elastic and
sleeve members 12, 16. Various embodiments for end attachments may
be used with the device and include rings, clips, fasteners, and
may be made of plastic or metal. In one embodiment, the ends of the
sleeve member 16 are secured to the connectors. The ends of the
elastic member 12 are then secured to the connectors and the sleeve
member 16 provides a stretch limitation to the elastic member
12.
Referring to FIG. 5, one embodiment for an end attachment of
connector 24 is shown and is referred to herein as a "knot." The
connector 24 comprises a base 26 having an eye or aperture 28. The
elastic member 12 passes through the eye 28. The elastic member 12
is tied into a knot 30. The knot 30 has a cross-section larger than
the eye 28 to prevent pull back through the eye 28 of the connector
24.
The connector 24 further comprises an attachment member 32 to
enable connection to another object. The attachment member 32 may
be a hook as shown in FIG. 5 or may be embodied as a ring, clip,
buckle, or other fastener.
The sleeve member 16 (not shown) may also pass through the eye 28
to thereby secure the sleeve member 16 as well. Alternatively, the
end of the sleeve member 16 may be secured to the connector 24 by
wrapping, tying, sewing, or using adhesives.
Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment for a connector 24
is shown which is herein referenced to herein as a "crimp." This
technique is similar to the knot in FIG. 5 except that a rigid
collar 34 is employed. The rigid collar 34 crimps around the
elastic member 12 after the member 12 has passed through the eye
28. The collar 34 has an outer diameter greater than that of the
aperture 28 to prevent pull back of the members 12.
The sleeve member 16 (not shown) may also pass through the eye 28
and be secured with the rigid collar 34. Alternatively, the end of
the sleeve member 16 may be secured to the connector 24 by
wrapping, tying, sewing, or using adhesives.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment for a
connector 24 is shown. In this embodiment, the elastic member 12
passes through an eyelet or aperture 36 of an end member 38. The
end member 38 may be embodied as a strap of fabric. A rigid object
40, such as a ball, is pressed inside the elastic member 12 as
shown. The rigid object's diameter 40 is greater than the diameter
of the inner cavity 14 of the elastic member 12. The elastic member
12 has a greater diameter at the location of the rigid object 40
than the aperture 36 and can no longer pass through the aperture 36
in one direction.
The sleeve member 16 also passes through the aperture 36 along with
the elastic member 12. The sleeve member 16 is shown connected
together at its end 42 above the aperture 36 so that the rigid
object 40 and the elastic member 12 together impede the sleeve
member 16 from pulling through the aperture 36. Opposing ends of
the end member 38 may be connected to one another at the end 42 of
the sleeve member 16 to thereby secure the end member 38.
Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment for a connector 24
is shown and is referred to herein as a "tie-on." In this
embodiment, the connector 24 comprises a base member 44 such as a
stem or shaft. The base member 44 is attached to an attachment
member 32 such as a hook or ring. The base member 44 and attachment
member 32 may be incorporated into one integral piece. The base
member 44 has a diameter greater than the inner cavity 14 of the
elastic member 12. The base member 44 is pressed into the inner
cavity 14 and the resulting tension holds the base member 44 in
place. The sleeve member 16 is then wrapped, tied, or sewn around
the connector 24 to secure the sleeve member 16.
Referring to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment for a connector 24
is shown and is referred to herein as a "synch tie." In this
embodiment, the elastic member 12 passes through an attachment
member 32 such as a ring. A clamp 46, such as a metal crimp, is
secured to one end of the elastic member 12. The clamp 46 is also
secured to another portion of the elastic member 12 as shown in
FIG. 10 to thereby secure the connection to the attachment member
32. The sleeve member 16 (not shown) may be secured to the
connector 24 by wrapping, tying, sewing, or by use of
adhesives.
Referring to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment for a connector 24
is shown and is referred to herein as a "tuck in." In this
embodiment, an aperture 48 is formed in the elastic member 12
proximate to an end of the elastic member 12. The elastic member 12
passes through the attachment member 32 and is then threaded into
the aperture 48 to thereby form a lasso around the attachment
member 32. The sleeve member 16 (not shown) may be secured to the
connector 24 by wrapping, tying, sewing, or by use of
adhesives.
Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment for a connector 24
is shown and is referred to herein as a "strap extension." This
embodiment utilizes a base member 44 disposed within the inner
cavity 14 as in the "tie-on" embodiment. As shown, a strap 50 is
then secured to the attachment member 32. A second attachment
member 52 is then secured to the strap 50. The sleeve member 16 may
then be wrapped, tied, sewn, or glued to the strap 50. An advantage
of this embodiment is that when the sleeve member 16 and the
elastic member 12 reach their stretch limit, the force at the end
53 of the sleeve member 16 transfers to the strap 50 and then to
the second attachment member 52. Thus, the attachment member 32
connected to the elastic member 12 need not be as strong as the
second attachment member 52.
Referring to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment for the device 10
is shown. In this embodiment, the elastic member 12 is embodied as
a latex or rubber tube. The elastic member 12 has an inner cavity
14 running along the longitudinal length of the member 12 as in
previous embodiments. An inner member 54 is disposed within the
inner cavity 14. The inner member 54 has less elasticity than the
elastic member 12. In one embodiment, the inner member 54 may be
embodied as a rope or string.
The inner member 54 is secured at both ends proximate to the ends
of the elastic member 12. The inner member 54 may also have a
greater longitudinal length than the elastic member 12. The inner
member 54 provides the stretchable limitation to the elastic member
12. Obviously the embodiment of FIG. 11 does not provide the same
protection of the elastic member 12 as in the embodiment of FIG.
1.
The safety sleeve elastic device 10 of the present invention is
unique in that it primarily comprises two independent members 12,
16 of different materials which act upon one another. The elastic
member 12 provides stretching capability in excess of 1.25 times to
twice or even up to seven times the elastic member's 12 original
length depending on the material selected. The sleeve member 16
provides a maximum allowable stretch limit. Often times a user will
stretch an elastic member beyond a safe elongation because there is
no limitation factor. When this is done, the elastic member may
break and possibly injure the user. The sleeve member 16 provides
added safety in that even if the elastic member 12 were to break,
the elastic member 12 would retract while staying within the
interior of the sleeve member 16.
The safety sleeve elastic device 10 provides elastic durability of
the elastic member 12. The sleeve member 16 protects the elastic
member 12 from wear and contact with sharp or rough objects which
may damage the elastic member 12. Furthermore, the sleeve member 16
protects the elastic member 12 from sunlight. Sunlight increases
the rate of latex deterioration. The sleeve member 16 further
protects a user's skin from irritation from the material of the
elastic member 12, such as latex.
It should be appreciated that the apparatus and methods of the
present invention are capable of being incorporated in the form of
a variety of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated
and described above. The invention may be embodied in other forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the invention.
* * * * *